Voice: I am woman! I am invincible!

Women have been taught that, for us, the earth is flat, and that if we venture out, we will fall off the edge.

Why is it that in our country consensual sex is considered more shameful than forceful sex? This question raged my mind since I read it in one of the many articles following the infamous Delhi gang rape. Female gender had a sudden realization about their rights post the unfortunate event. The entire nation came together demanding better protection for women and their right to have a safe environment. But what really bothered me was the fact that why did it ever come to that. Statistics say that in India itself, a woman is raped every 20 minutes. Is it so bad all over the world or is something seriously wrong with our country? Well, if one comes to think of it, a major reason behind this enormous figure is the fact that pre-marital sex is a taboo that is powerful enough to destroy the “reputation” of one’s entire clan. Especially for a woman, who is considered soulless and slut if she indulges in these “shameful” activities with her lover. However, she is expected to make her new husband happy on the very night of the wedding. Everyone is aware of the hypocrisy but the fact is every single person is attracted to someone. I personally don’t know many people who have not been in a relationship at some point in their lives however serious or casual it may be. Then why do people feel the need of hiding their affairs? Why is it that every unmarried couple has the threat of being behind the bars if they plan to spend a night in a hotel room inspite of the fact that there is absolutely nothing illegal about it? And why exactly do we keep trying to deny something which is real? It just reflects the society’s inability to face the reality. I am not saying that having an open attitude towards sex would help bring down the rape rate in our country tremendously.. But accepting what is real will definitely help find a better solution to the problem. And this last bit for all who demand freedom from fear, it is rightful to expect that women should have the freedom to live their lives on their conditions but it will be foolish to expect that since it’s your right you don’t need to be careful. It is your right to have a secured life in your homes but you still lock your doors at night.